Infected animals usually die within three to eight months of the first appearance of lesions.
A deadly form of contagious face cancer has forced the Tasmanian devil onto the endangered species list.
According to a state official, the carnivorous marsupial will be listed on May 21, 2008.
"The change in the Devil's status reflects the real possibility that this iconic species could face extinction in the wild within 20 years," David Llewellyn, Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water, said in a statement.
Cancer-affected Tasmanian Devil
Mongabay.com is an environmental science and conservation news web site. It is a Premier Content Partner of SustainLane.
Jordana G. says:
This is so sad... and grotesque. The article doesn't say how scientists think the little devils are getting cancer...
Jessica L. says:
this is what happining to the little cute devils oh i wanna cry its so sad it looks like the little devil is crying too.